Looking After Yourself during the Three Trimesters of Pregnancy

Looking After Yourself during the Three Trimesters of Pregnancy

There is perhaps no comparison to what a mother goes through during the trimesters of pregnancy. It is the most unusual, difficult yet rewarding experience in your whole life. You have made the biggest decision of your life. To have a baby! What happens to your body during the three trimesters of pregnancy and how do you take special care of yourself during this period?

The First Trimester

In the first trimester, the changes in your body cause you nausea, mood swings, a frequent urge to pass water and dizzy spells. The baby in your body has begun to grow. You must start eating healthy and nutritious meals, doing light exercise, take a lot of rest as well and drink 6-8 glasses of water a day to stay hydrated. Avoid drinking alcohol, smoking and doing drugs completely. These can cause your baby untold harm (this is to be observed through out pregnancy)

The Second Trimester

The second pregnancy trimester lasts from the 13th to the 28th week of pregnancy. The initial feelings of nausea and fatigue are no longer there and by the end of the trimester, you can actually feel your baby inside move! It is important to do some form of light exercise, such as walking or swimming-not something too strenuous. Eat a nutritious diet, so you and your baby stay healthy and maintain good personal hygiene.

The Third Trimester

The third trimester lasts from the 28th week to the birth of the baby. Your abdomen will expand with the growing baby and the baby will drop in to the birth position. You must do some form of light exercise, take rest, eat a healthy diet, and do some deep breathing exercises and meditation to relax yourself, as you prepare for your baby to be born.

Those were the three trimesters of pregnancy. It is a good thing to read up a lot on pregnancy. Read good books and magazines and surf the net, so that you are prepared on how to have a safe and healthy pregnancy.